Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


Nineteen years after hosting its first grassroots event in an aircraft hangar, the Livingston Land Conservancy’s annual live fundraiser, Land on the Horizon, is set for next Friday, October 6th at Chemung Hills Golf and Banquet Center in Howell.

The event runs from 7 to 10pm and is fast-paced and lively with both live and silent auctions, raffles, a wine pull, a chef-prepared dinner buffet, and a cash bar.

The evening celebrates the natural beauty and rural character of the Livingston County area and supports the over 750 acres of quality natural areas and productive farmland properties the Conservancy protects. The non-profit preserves land as owned nature preserves or as conservation easements on behalf of private landowners.

Founded in 1994, the Livingston Land Conservancy's mission is to protect the heritage and rural character of Livingston County by preserving natural woodlands, wetlands, and productive farmland, and to promote an appreciation and understanding of the environment for the long-term benefit of the public.

The all-volunteer organization is completely self-supporting by memberships and donations and receives no financial funding from taxpayers or municipalities. The non-profit is also always in need of volunteers in a number of different areas.

All net proceeds from the fundraiser go toward the Conservancy’s Land Acquisition and Stewardship funds that support 17 different protected properties in Livingston County.

President Sara Thomas told WHMI they’re thrilled to have the event at Chemung Hills again, saying it’s a lot of fun and people have a great time. She says attire is business casual, nothing formal.

Thomas said they have over 50 diverse silent auction items, while the live auction will feature travel packages, sports memorabilia, golf packages, and more. There’s a 50/50 raffle for cash, as well as a large raffle called “Livingston On The Town” that includes gift certificates for restaurants and entertainment.

Individual tickets are $70 each and can be purchased on the Conservancy’s website, the link is provided, or by calling 810-229-3290.